Monday, March 21, 2016

What’s In Your Bucket List?

Maybe not everybody has one, but we have all heard of
them. A list of things we dream of doing before we die. In our young age, there
are countless things that we have yet to do, but maybe as we get older the concept
of a “bucket list” may become less appealing and concrete.

With age, people tend to see their goals and
aspirations as things that will just fall into place over time; rather than
things that are meant to be achieved in succession. They might see that their
path has changed, or that their ambitions have evolved.

“I don’t really believe in bucket lists,” said Joe
Monninger, an English professor, “I think life is about going along, and those
things seem artificial.”

As young adults we are facing an increase in
responsibilities, and we see all of the opportunities that lie ahead. We are
eager for certain things to happen in our lives before they end. Whether these
goals are likely or less likely to be reached, it is still important that we
stay whimsical and optimistic.

When Ed Fleming was asked what was on his list, he was
sincere and realistic in his answers. He said “Go to Lego Land, and eat the
most chocolatey thing in the whole world.”

More often than not, individual’s goals reflect who
they are and what they are interested in.
Cecil Smith’s response was very eccentric and illuminated his
personality. “LARP one of the battles
from Lord of the Rings… yeah, I want do some LARPing.”

There are many people that see the concept of a bucket
list as something frivolous and not so serious. Although it is important to
have tangible and realistic long-term goals, it is fun to think of all of the possibilities.
When Ebenezer Edwards was asked what is on his list, he said, “Own an island,
and have sex with a princess.”

One of the things on Anthony Scolamiero’s list was
more of a long-term goal rather than just a one-time experience or
happening. He said, “I want to be a
teacher.” It is important to be able to see further ahead rather than just
being impulsive; but spontaneity is also essential for diverse experiences.